Scott Alexander Ruderman is a documentary film director and cinematographer recognized for his work across platforms such as Netflix, BBC Studios, Paramount+, HBO, PBS, CBS Discovery+ and many film festivals around the world. He was named a 2024 DocNYC 40 Under 40 honoree for his contribution to documentary filmmaking.
As a cinematographer, Ruderman’s most recent credits include THE QUILTERS (2025), directed by Jenifer McShane and executive produced by Abigail Disney. The film premiered at DC/Dox, was Oscar Shortlisted in 2025, and is now streaming on Netflix. He also shot JIMMY & THE DEMONS (2025), directed by Cindy Meehl and premiering at the 2025 Tribeca Film Festival, which offers an intimate look at visionary artist Jimmy Grashow and the creation of his magnum opus.
Additional DP credits include THE ACCIDENTAL SPY (2024), directed by Anthony Wonke and premiering at the Warsaw International Film Festival, and FRUIT IS RIPE, a TELUS Original set to air in Fall 2025. Ruderman was also an additional cinematographer on the Emmy-nominated FLOYD ABRAMS: SPEAKING FREELY (2023) for PBS’s AMERICAN MASTERS. His series work includes 48 HOURS (CBS), IN WITH THE OLD (Magnolia Network), and BODIES IN THE WATER (Discovery ID).
Ruderman’s directorial debut, PAY OR DIE (2023), executive produced by Sheila Nevins and Sarah Silverman and acquired by MTV Documentary Films, premiered at SXSW and was the closing night selection at The Human Rights Film Festival in New York. The film won Best Documentary Feature at Flickers Rhode Island International Film Festival, a 2024 SIMA Award, and the Cinema for Peace Dove in Global Health Award. Now streaming on Paramount+, PAY OR DIE has been widely recognized for its raw, human-centered approach to healthcare justice.
He is a member of the Documentary Cinematography Alliance (DCA), a 2022 Gotham Project alumni, a 2023 participant in Chicken & Egg Pictures’ Project Hatched, and a member of the Portrait Creative Network.